The sample was collected on August 24 southeast of Kelseyville. A previous sample that tested positive was collected near Upper Lake, as Lake County News has reported.
With many outdoor activities planned during the upcoming Lake County Fair and Labor Day holiday, health officials are encouraging people to take precautions including using mosquito repellents, combined with protective clothing (long sleeves and pants), which are especially important in the evening and early morning hours, go a long way to prevent West Nile virus infection, according to Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait.
“The recent high temperatures allow mosquitoes to reproduce more quickly, and the virus to replicate more quickly, which means that there is more West Nile virus out there,” said Dr. Jamesina Scott, district manager and research director for the Lake County Vector Control District.
Scott said the district has increased its surveillance and control activities in response to the recent positive mosquito samples.
She asked that community members remember the “three Ds of protection” – drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes, defend yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent; dressing protectively when outside, and making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
Scott said mosquitoes develop in standing water, and a common mosquito source now that school has started is wading pools and swimming pools that are left filled and unmaintained. Residents should drain or dump out the wading pools and store them indoors or upside-down so that they won’t collect water.
The most recent data posted by California Department of Public Health showed that 34 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported from a total of 10 counties in California.
No human cases have been reported in Lake County this year, according to officials.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes to a variety of animals and to humans. Mosquito and Vector Control agencies usually detect the virus in mosquitoes, birds and sometimes tree squirrels before human cases appear.
Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms and will recover uneventfully, according to the health department. Up to 20 percent of people will develop fever, headache, and other nonspecific symptoms that may last several weeks.
Approximately one in 150 people will develop severe illness known as neuroinvasive disease. People over age 50 and diabetics appear to be at most risk for the more severe forms of disease. There is no vaccine for humans.
A vaccine is available for horses and is strongly recommended because West Nile virus can also cause serious infections in horses. This year in California, eleven horses have become ill from West Nile virus, and three have died as a result of the infection.
Contact vector control for help controlling mosquitoes around your home, or to report potential mosquito sources, such as neglected swimming pools. Residents can request service, get mosquitofish, or report neglected swimming pools by calling 707-263-4770 or sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To report a dead bird or squirrel, call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit the Lake County Vector Control District’s website at www.lcvcd.org and click on the green “Report a Dead Bird” link.
For additional information on West Nile virus, visit www.westnile.ca.gov, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm.
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